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Upland shotgun selection: confusing recommendations!

Hey all,
So I've been wanting to get into a 20-gauge for dove, grouse etc. I'm a new shotgunner and want an intro-level, not too expensive gun for recreational clays and light hunting. After a fair bit of research online I was going to get a Stoeger Condor combo, which is an inexpensive over-under (with interchangeable barrels 12/20 is the combo bit) that has pretty good reviews overall. But when I went down to Bass Pro all the staff in the gun room and then in the hunting department firmly discouraged me from it and steered me towards semiautos. Talked themselves out of a sale, though I appreciated their candor.

Now I'm not necessarily opposed to a semi; the recoil moderation would be nice (though I shoot my 30-06 flinch-free and am not recoil-averse, yet , and shoot my 870 12-gauge OK), but my thought with the double is ease of cleaning and having different chokes for the first and second shot. Doubles don't seem to weigh much more than the semis. I don't really care about the whole "fine gun" thing; I'm looking for an entry-level field piece I can get a scratch on and not freak out, and I'll never be a thousand+ rounds a year shooter. I'd love to spend around $500 and a used gun would be fine, though I don't know enough about shotguns to evaluate one very accurately.

So what are y'all's thoughts: why am I getting pushed to the semis? Anyone recommend a shotgun that sounds like what I'm looking for? Anyone have/use a Stoeger Condor that can share a review? For the price, and for someone who just wants an entry-level gun, could they really be that disappointing for my purposes?

Re: Upland shotgun selection: confusing recommendations!

Ben, you need to get the gun that you are comfortable with.
If that Stoeger fits you and feels good, then do it.
If you haven't already, check out a few other doubles before you buy.

Have always wanted a nice O/U but the ones I like are all in the 2 grand range.
Can't justify spending 2k for an O/U.
So I went with a Rem 1100 Premier Sporting in 12ga
All it needed was a shell catcher for trap and am very happy with it.
I can use it for rabbits or pheasant if I want but usually use a 16ga side by side for that.

For guns and camera equipment, I like to buy once and cry once rather than having to spend even more money after something didn't live up to expectations.

Re: Upland shotgun selection: confusing recommendations!

don't go with the 1400 i know that a few years ago in Field and stream it made there list of top three shotguns not to buy. I have one it is broke lol. I also have a 20ga condor it is a nice gun you can tell it is cheaper made but for the price i love it. My next gun will be a 20ga semi auto i just like semi autos not sure why.

Re: Upland shotgun selection: confusing recommendations!

I guess another question (or an implied question) is: apart from "your preference", what are the pros and cons of semi vs. double for this use? No home defense (that's the 870 and his pals ), strictly upland and recreational clays. Or is it really just what you end up liking?

Re: Upland shotgun selection: confusing recommendations!

I was given a Fox Savage 20 ga double barrel when I was 12,, 50 yrs ago,, it still shoots like new,, and is the best skeet, trap, and hunting gun I have (unless I need to reach WAY up for duck),, LOVE a double,,

Re: Upland shotgun selection: confusing recommendations!

My $.02

I started hunting ruffled grouse on an Ithaca 20 Ga. Dad used his 16. We never had a problem with either grouse or woodcock. Both pump actions. The way I always understood it was a semi was really more of a pheasant gun. Three rounds in the choke was plenty for the small birds, learn how to lead the bird and you only need one shot anyway. Doves: I never hunted them, so I can't comment. Now then, I got shot in the leg in the Marines some 20 years ago, and that has put a damper on long-walk hunts, and I also haven't kicked up a grouse in almost 15 years, so I quit hunting them long ago. I stick with the turkeys and deer now. 12 Ga single shot breach open and Win .308 respectively.

Re: Upland shotgun selection: confusing recommendations!

I have been looking for a 20 for the kid. I will need to take a look at the model. Sporting clay friend took me gun shopping a few years ago. We would ‘mount’ without our eyes closed and then open them and see where I was on the stock. Of all the $1k-$2k SG we tried I walked out with the $400 Stoeger. I have shot a few hundred of light trap rounds days through it without fail. It did not load on two back to back occasions but it turned out to be stuffed with straw from the goose laydown blind. Bottom line: Stoeger good, model you are referring to unknown but I am going to take a look.

“Why do we fall, sir? So that we might learn to pick ourselves up” Alfred Pennyworth Batman Begins (2005)

Re: Upland shotgun selection: confusing recommendations!

AND... apart from being heavier, the S/S seems to be comparable to the O/U. Same price, the S/S comes in the double trigger if you like. Apart from maybe a broader sight plane, what's to prefer one way or t'other?

Re: Upland shotgun selection: confusing recommendations!

Originally Posted by Andrew Dewey

I'm very happy with my Grandfather's 20GA Parker DHE - though it is tight choked for skeet.

I belive the majority of the choke on this gun is near the end of the barrel. Just cut about 1/2 inch at a time off with a hacksaw till it opens up like you want, problem solved. If you sent it to me I'll fix it ( I have a sawz-all)